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Harvard economics student Kyle Juszczyk will continue to earn more than most of his Crimson classmates.
On Sunday, a day before the free agency’s soft launch, the 49ers were awarded a contract extension with their full-back Pro Bowl that allows him to retain that title: the highest-paid NFL player in his position.
The five-year, $ 27 million agreement with $ 10 million guaranteed provides Juszczyk, 29, with an average annual salary ($ 5.4 million) slightly above his previous figure of $ 5.25 million. Pittsburgh’s Derek Watt ($ 3.25 million) is the league’s second-highest-paid fullback. NFL Network first reported Juszczyk’s new deal.
“I am incredibly grateful to be part of this organization for another 5 years!” Juszcyk said, via Instagram. “Thank you Faithful for the continued support! Looking forward to showing that the juice is still worth it. “
The 49ers’ willingness to join an eight-year veteran who turns 30 in April and plays a penalty position reflects his worth in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Shanahan rewards versatile offensive players. And Juszczyk’s ability as a blocker and wide receiver means that, unlike less athletic full-backs, his presence on the pitch doesn’t indicate whether the 49ers plan to run or throw. Juszczyk has also often lined up on the running back, slot receiver and tight end. Last year he took a snap as a quarterback and converted a successful third-and-1 taste in the Cardinals win in December.
The 49ers were able to offer Juszczyk the familiarity with an offense that showcases his skills in a position many teams don’t use or showcase in the modern NFL. However, it was unclear after the season whether the 49ers would offer enough money to hold him back.
In fact, a day after the 2020 regular season finale, Juszczyk choked on himself speaking with reporters about his uncertain future.
However, Juszczyk had spoken with Shanahan during the season about their mutual interest in continuing their partnership. And the better-than-expected financial outlook for the NFL this offseason helped facilitate a deal before free agency began. The salary cap, which could have fallen from nearly $ 25 million to $ 175 million in 2021, was recently set at $ 182.5 million. The 49ers entered Sunday with $ 24.8 million in cap space, according to the NFLPA.
Juszczyk was to be pursued by the Jets if he reached the free market. Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is New York’s new head coach and 49ers assistant Mike LaFleur is their offensive coordinator. In addition, Juszczyk lives during the offseason on Long Island, his wife’s hometown.
However, it was no surprise on Sunday when Juszczyk’s contract was officially signed.
And it was widely suggested late on Saturday night that an agreement in principle had been reached. Lynch, in a tweet he sent at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, wrote: “I’m thirsty. Niners fans, do you want “Juice?”, Referring to Juszczyk’s nickname.
Eric Branch covers the 49ers for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Eric_Branch
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